We are pleased to participate in the A to Z Blog Challenge (http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com/). The Story Crossroads theme for this year is Finding Resilience & Strength through Traditional Tales.
Xolotl –
From Aztecs
Dogs were considered filthy and undesirable to have around for the Aztecs. As a result of this disdain, Xolotl, the twin of Quetzacoatl, had a dog head. While Quetzacoatl was celebrated and honored, Xolotl was a deceiver and a bringer of doom. In fact, Xolotl guarded the sun as it set all the way back and traveled through the Underworld known as Mictlan. Eventually, the sun would escape from the Underworld to rise the next day.
Xolotl could be helpful such as guiding the dead to the afterlife. He was supposed to sacrifice himself along with the other gods when the sun needed to regain its strength and only sacrifices would bring that power back to the sun. He cried so much to get out of it that he cried his eyes out. No, I mean it. Eyes. Out.
This story below focus on how humans came to be. So Xolotl did help there. Many not-so-flattering stories about him, but this one is where he made it possible for people to exist.
50-word-or-less summary
Xolotl and Quetzacoatl (twins) asked Mother, Citalicue, to create mankind. Traveled to the Underworld. Lord of Death gave a bone of the dead. Xolotl carried the bone but tripped. Bone broke unevenly. He sprinkled the bone parts with blood. Four days later, man created. Four days later, woman created.
Finding the Story:
Book The Element Encyclopedia of Magical Creatures – here
Xolotl – The Underworld Dog God of the Aztecs – here
Video – Who was Xolotl? – here
Finding Resilience & Strength:
Quetzacoatl had to endure quite the twin brother in Xolotl. Quetzacoatl was more benelovent and gave Xolotl chances to redeem himself. Xolotl usually made things…interesting…and not in the positive way. Though, for Quetzacoatl to go to the Underworld with Xolotl, a realm that Xolotl knew quite well, really shows much strength and resilience.
Family is family. We love them no matter what.
Here is an article from HelpGuide.org called “Improving Family Relationships with Emotional Intelligence” to explore mental health strategies.
Please share thoughts in the comments. While you enjoy this blog, Story Crossroads has year-round offerings. See quick list of programs here.
As for our past A to Z Challenges…
While you enjoy this blog, Story Crossroads has been resilient and strong during these past years and looks forward to the next hybrid summit & festival on May 8-11, 2023. We would be honored for you to join us. Explore the schedule and register here: http://www.storycrossroads.org/Festival
Thanks to funding from National Endowment for the Arts; National Endowment for the Humanities; Western States Arts Federation; Utah Division of Arts and Museums/Utah Legislature; Utah Humanities; City of Murray; Zoo, Arts & Parks (ZAP) of Salt Lake County; Salt Lake City Arts Council; Ashton Family Foundation